Please help with ride side of head pain

[jettsmama]

I've recently been going to a neurologist for a very difficult time with temple pain and upper jaw pain on the right side. For the last two months, I've tried Gabapentin, Amitriptyline, Imitrex, Butalbital, Propanynol and now Toppomax. The doc at first thought it was migraines, but I was not convinced. I can look directly at the sun any time, listen to loud music and have no nausea. The pain is constant has has been. It throbs and seems to stem directly from the temple.

I did get the top wisdom teeth out as well as a right side molor out about 3 months ago. The molar had been infected for a while. The CT scan showed nothing other than some sinus fluid - but not much. I also had an MRI recently which showed nothing.

About three years ago, right after my son was born, the right side of my face turned all numb. My mouth drooped. This lasted about a week. He was born with a heart condition, so I was not worried about myself at that time. The numbness went away, I continued taking Aleve for the past three years to deal with the pain. After the teeth extraction, I went off the Aleve and all the pain came through full force.

There is no same time each day - the pain is always there whether dull or aweful. My lower jaw is still a bit numb. The cold weather makes the pain worse. It hurts to touch my temple.

I really need some answers or anyone who has experienced anything like this. Can you help?

[jettsmama]

I did finally go back to my regular doc. He said I should go to a different neurologist. Which I do agree with as the one I was seeing seemed dumber than a box of rocks. He also is having me take both the gabapentin and topiramate together along with tylenol 3 for pain as needed. We'll see how that goes. He stated it's more than likely neuralgia because of the numbness, tingling, where the pain is and the length it's been going on.

The meds just make me zombified at this point and adding the pain meds, just makes it worse. I know I'll get used to them, but it's a struggle till then.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? It is good that the tests done were fine. Possible differential of temple with jaw pain is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) headaches which usually presents with a muscle-contraction type of pain. A referral to your dentist may rule this out. Numbness you felt at the time of childbirth may be caused by medication or from neurological causes. Malocclusion or poor bite, stress, and jaw clenching should also be checked. Hang on and do keep us posted. Take care always.